Weight bearing hooks (6)

Can anyone tell me which hooks/ bolts etc you need to put through the ceiling into the rafters which could support my weight? (currently 10 and a half stone). The beams are just over 100 years old.

Preferably able to buy in B and Q because it's nearby.

Thanks

N x

I would suggest you ask what kind of bolts could support around 130kg safely (double your weight). I think you'll find that with suitable washers, most bolts will do the job (metal, especially steel, is much stronger when pulled than compressed - the 12mm bolts I bolted into my 4x4's chassis bar can take several tons of pressure) - the trick is finding one that has a hook on the end - preferably forged with a hook, not welded on (welds aren't nearly as strong as forged metal, although they still are very, very strong).

If your confidence fails you, ask for 12mm nut/bolts. You'll pull the house down long before they fail. Just make sure you measure the rafters that they're going through, so you know the hole you make won't be too big and weaken the rafter.

Inteligence does not equate to wisdom.

because as long as you use welded eyelets (ie the loop you will link onto is continuous metal, not simply folded into a circle) then anything from 6mm up will do the job. Make sure you use large diameter washers, particuarly on the top side, to spread the load, and use nyloc nuts, so they don't slowly unscrew in use!

I was looking to design a suspension frame for a Pro-Domme, and investigated the types at a local "Fixings" centre. There's no need to specify exactly what you are going to suspend. In the vanilla world of fixings, a suspension bolt is nothing more than that, it's your perverted mind that throws in the alternative meaning *lol*

N x

Some old houses have rafters only intended to support the ceiling and not for storage space. If you dont have a loft hatch this is a clue.

Start with a visual inspection of the rafter to see if it has deteriorated and then providing it is at least 6 inches from top to bottom stand on it, if it feels firm start to bounce on it. Gently at first. Providing you are not now in the room below it should be fine to take your weight.

If you want to be extra safe put a plank on top of the rafters so the weight is carried by the beams either side as well but still run the eye bolt through that plank as well.

While you are up there have a look to see if theres room for a dungeon, rafters and roof trusses would make excellent tethering points.

Edited 3 Sep 09, 10:23 AM by rupert_bare

-- Always waiting.

(Mine you I have an interesting room in the basement which I believe was originally a large water cistern but could make a very useful smallish dungeon or a nice 'cell'. So old houses do have benefits!)